Mahmud Khalji

Mahmud Khalji (1436-69), also known as Mahmud Khilji, was a 15th-century sultan of the Malwa Sultanate, an Indian kingdom in what is now the state of Madhya Pradesh.[1] Khilji crowned himself sultan after assassinating Mohammad, the son of the previous ruler, Hoshang Shah, in 1435. He mounted an unsuccessful campaign against the Delhi Sultanate however, it was under his reign that the Malwa Sultanate reached its greatest height.[2]

During rule of Muhammad Shah II of Gujarat Sultanate, Mahmud Khilji invaded Gujarat. After capturing and saving Champaner, he continued his march upon Gujarat at the head of 80,000 horse. Soon Muhammad Shah II died and was succeeded by Kutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II. Mahmud Khilji had laid siege to Sultánpur. Malik Ala-ud-din bin Sohráb, Kutb-ud-dín’s commander surrendered the fort, and was sent with honour to Malwa and appointed governor of Mandu. Mahmud Khilji, marching to Sarsa-Paldi, summoned Bharuch, then commanded by Sídi Marján on behalf of Gujarát Sultanate. The Sidi refused, and fearing delay, the Malwa Sultan after plundering Baroda (now Vadodara) proceeded to Nadiad, whose Bráhmans astonished him by their bravery in killing a mad elephant. Kutb-ud-din Shah now advancing met Sultan Mahmud Khilji at Kapadvanj where, after a doubtful fight of some hours, Kutb-ud-din Shah defeated Sultán Mahmud Khilji. Muzaffar Khán, who is said to have incited the Malwa Sultan Khilji to invade Gujarat, was captured and beheaded, and his head was hung up at the gate of Kapadvanj.[3]

In the same year, Sultan Mahmud Khalji attempted to conquer Nagor then held by Firuz Khan, a cousin of the Gujarat Sultan. Kutb-ud-din Shah despatched an army under the command of Sayad Ataullah, and, as it drew near Sambhar, the Malwa Sultan retired and shortly after Firuz Khan died.[3]

^ abJames Macnabb Campbell, ed. (1896). "II. ÁHMEDÁBÁD KINGS. (A. D. 1403–1573.)". History of Gujarát. Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency. Volume I. Part II. The Government Central Press. pp. 242–243.This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.